Central High School Named Lunenburg County’s First National Blue Ribbon School and One of Seven Virginia Schools Nominated for 2025
Central High School has been named Lunenburg County’s first National Blue Ribbon School and one of only seven schools statewide to receive recognition from the Virginia Board of Education as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program nominee. Central High School earned this distinction in the category of Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing based on its strong academic performance during the 2023–2024 school year and its continued success in sustaining those achievement levels throughout the 2024–2025 school year.
Each year, since 1982, Virginia has been invited to nominate up to seven schools statewide for recognition in the categories of Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. Schools selected for the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing designation must meet rigorous criteria, including ranking in the top 15 percent statewide for improvement in combined reading and mathematics achievement for one or more historically underserved student groups, achieving top 40 percent performance for reading, mathematics, and graduation rates for each historically underserved group, or demonstrating whole-school improvement that meets or exceeds the statewide improvement rate.
Central High School met these benchmarks, reflecting significant academic growth and a sustained commitment to equity and student success.
The Virginia Board of Education formally adopted a Resolution of Recognition honoring Central High School and other distinguished schools on January 8, 2026, in Richmond. The resolution was presented by William (Bill) Hansen, Vice President of the Virginia Board of Education, and Emily Anne Gullickson, M.Ed., J.D., Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“Lunenburg County Public Schools is extremely proud of Central High School for being named a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School for Closing Achievement Gaps,” said Dr. Sharon H. Stanislas, Superintendent of Lunenburg County Public Schools. “This prestigious recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of the entire Central High School community, including its administrative team, educators, staff, students, families, and community partners, to ensuring every student has access to high-quality learning experiences and the support necessary to succeed.”
Dr. Erica B. Hazelwood, Principal of Central High School, added, “Being named one of only seven schools in the Commonwealth to receive this honor is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering refusal to accept mediocrity in any capacity. This award belongs to our entire school community, our teachers, staff, students, families, and partners, who share a belief that excellence is not optional and educational equity is not negotiable. It is the result of shared ownership, relentless care, and a refusal to accept “good enough” for any child.”
Photo Caption:
Dr. Sharon H. Stanislas, Superintendent of Lunenburg County Public Schools, and Dr. Erica B. Hazelwood, Principal of Central High School, are pictured with the Superintendent of Public Instruction and members of the Virginia Board of Education.